#IndustryInsights Hazel Farrell
This week we sat down with the fantastic artist, model and all around creative beauty, Hazel Farrell, to talk about her creative process, her love of modelling and the array of exciting projects she's working on.
How did you first get into the industry?
Well, I guess I've always considered myself a creative person. I've always had the desire to create, always loved working with my hands. It wasn't really until I went to art college that I experienced creativity as the viable industry that it is. Up until that point I never really knew anyone who made a living from art. It completely opened my eyes to the vastness and complexity of the industry. It was during that time that I got to meet so many other Creatives and in turn be part of the industry.
Can you describe a typical work day?
Coffee, first and foremost. After that, I'd like to say that I have some sort of structure to my day, but often that's not the case. Some days I work with an entertainment company, we travel all around Ireland which is pretty cool. Other days, I might be on location for a shoot. Some shoots take all day, others a few hours. I spend a lot of time on buses, so I always keep a sketchpad to be productive during those times. In my own time, I'm constantly working on personal projects. Depop keeps me pretty busy. I'm always reworking clothes for my site or working on some new art. At the moment I'm renovating my studio space so that's keeping me going.
What motivates you?
My vision. If I'm feeling stuck or uninspired, I remind myself of all the things I want to do, to create, to achieve. I remind myself that it's possible. I have a vision board with images of all the things I want to achieve, my goals be it personal or creative goals, all pinned to this massive board. It really inspires me. Other than that, I love checking out other Creatives on Instagram or Pinterest. I love seeing what other people are creating. I hope in turn I can inspire others in the same way. Also, music. A good jam is like the ultimate motivation to get the creative juices flowing.
How do you integrate social media into your career as a model?
Social media has been such a powerful tool for me and my work. If I do a shoot I'll always post on Instagram and tag everyone involved. Behind the scenes photos are great too as you get an insight into all the wonderful work that goes on behind the camera. I'm extremely lucky to get to work with such talented people, especially since signing to NotAnother Agency, so it's important to me that I credit everyone involved. Instagram has become a portfolio for creative people. That's a powerful thing. Although I'm a believer of not taking social media TOO seriously, the fact is, it's many peoples first impression of you, so keep it true to yourself and your work.
What has been your biggest career achievement to date?
Setting up my studio after college was a huge goal accomplished. Signing to Not Another Agency and working with brilliant Creatives, that's a big one. Oh and selling my artwork to Youtube royalty PewDiePie and CutiePieMarzia was fun.
Have you any advice for people thinking of entering the creative industry?
How do I say this without being cliche? Just do you! Your creative ideas are explicitly yours. No one else can realise them for you. So just go for it. Be confident in your creativity. Be nice. Collaborate whenever you can. Have fun. Oh and share your work online. (Obvs)
Is there anyone that influenced you to take this career path?
I have many paths. There's art, social media, makeup, design. So I have many influencers for my many paths. And it grows daily. I've always been obsessed with Elsa Schiaparelli. She's outrageous. Love Chloë Sevigny, Queen Gwen Stefani, Lisa Eldridge, Tarantino, Todd James. So many influences on so many levels.
Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years?
Still doing what I'm doing but, in the 1%, living in a mansion with a Dodge Charger and a private jet. I'd also like to own a robot to help me with things.
What is your pet peeve about working in the industry?
I haven't really experienced any negatives but I suppose internet trolls are annoying. You see them disrespecting other people's work from behind their keyboards. But I suppose as long as there's internet, there's trolls.
What do you do to relax and unwind after a long days work?
I like to meditate, eat food, scroll around on Tumblr or Pinterest for a while then maybe watch a TED talk.
You can keep up to date with all of the exciting projects Hazel is working on over at her website www.hazefaceireland.com and on her social media channels.
YM